Although the Colorado Rockies have not had a playoff birth since 2009, the young talented roster holds promise for the future. After finishing with a career year in 2016, Rockies starting pitcher Chad Bettis is hopeful for the 2017 season. Bettis told Eric Goodman and Les Shapiro during The Afternoon Drive on Mile High Sports Radio that, “I learned a lot from what I accomplished this year. I’m looking forward to this next season and being better than I was.”

The Rockies projected starting lineup will encompass young stars such as Trevor Story, DJ LeMahieu, and Nolan Arenado. “It’s great to be able to go in there comfortable, and know that these guys are going to make plays behind you day in and day out,” said Bettis.

“I think we are going to be very good. You know being a part of the group here, I think I can speak for everyone, saying that we are holding ourselves to a very high standard, and we plan to meet those expectations,” he added.

With manager Walt Weiss stepping down at the end of last season, the Rockies found a veteran replacement in Bud Black. Black was a former manager of the San Diego Padres, as well as a pitcher in the MLB for many years. Bettis feels that Black will be a great fit for the Rockies because of his pitching experience.

“I’m excited to bounce ideas off of him… He’s adding another pitching perspective for us. It’s not going to be anything but beneficial to us. “

To hear the full interview with Chad Bettis, including his experience with his fight against cancer, listen to the podcast below.

https://soundcloud.com/milehighsports/1-24-17-chad-bettis-joins-eric-les-on-his-fight-with-cancer-on-the-road-with-other-teammates

Catch Afternoon Drive with Goodman and Shapiro every weekday from 4p-6p on Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7 or stream live any time for the best local coverage of Colorado sports from Denver’s biggest sports talk lineup.